Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has described the participation of the electorate in decision-making process as a basic ingredient of democracy.
He noted that the symbiotic relationship between the government and citizens had greatly impacted on the overall development of the state.
The governor spoke in Abeokuta on Thursday during the 2013 Budget Town Hall meeting.
He said. “Our utmost and sincere belief is that governance should be a participatory process. The people should have a say on issues that concern them.”
According to him, the 2013 policy thrust is to consolidate on the foundation laid in 2012 by promoting sustainable infrastructural growth and creating a conducive environment for private sector participation.
He added, “The era of budget having no bearing on the lives of the citizenry is gone, hence the decision to constantly engage the public on how best to serve them.”
He also assured that all government procurements would henceforth be made within the state “in order to further empower our people, especially the market women”.
Responding to questions, the governor, who warned school heads against illegal fees, also reiterated his administration’s commitment to free and qualitative education.
He however said the state would not sponsor such extra-curricular activities like excursion by pupils.
On the deplorable federal roads in the state, he said government would continue to provide palliative measures on the roads.
Amosun promised that all issues raised at the forum would be considered in planning the 2013 budget.
In her address, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mrs. Oluwande Muoyo, said the objective of the meeting was to get the input of residents for the proposed budget.